Consumer TechConsumer technology is going to exist indefinitely, perhaps for as long as the human species exists. At CleanTechnica, we try to feature consumer technologies that help to reduce global warming pollution and other types of pollution. For example: electric cars, solar panels, bikes, energy efficient appliances and electronics, and green smartphone apps. Keep an eye on this category for all sorts of fun and cool, helpful consumer technology.

Time to catch up on more solar news. Here are a number of big solar news stories we wouldn’t want you to miss:

First Solar + Skytron: First Solar is acquiring Skytron. If Skytron doesn’t ring a bell, it should. It holds more monitored solar PV projects than all about 3 other companies in the world.

Yingli Green Energy Down But Happy: Despite having a net loss in Q1 2014, Yingli Green Energy* is happy with its progress and seems to be on its way to hitting its targets.

SunPower + Admirals Bank = Home Solar Loans: SunPower* and Admirals Bank have launched a $200 million home solar loan program. It’s available nationwide. I have to wonder if some of the SunPower employees following CleanTechnica saw our stories about the Admirals Bank solar loan and got connected.

Germany Up To 50% Solar: Germany has at times produced over 50% of its electricity demand from solar, but that actually comes with some issues. Meanwhile, Ireland gets 50% from wind and nobody seems to notice.

YieldCos Could Cut Costs 20%: YieldCos are the hot new investment vehicles for solar and wind. They could reportedly cut solar and wind project costs by up to 20%, but there are also some questions remaining about this option.

Solar Leasing Peak: Solar leasing’s market share of the US residential solar market is set to peak in 2014, with solar loans, PACE financing, and other financing options taking back more of the pie. No surprise here.

Death of Another Beautiful Game: If you’re a fan of renewable energy and you’re a fan of football (the global kind, not the American kind), then you’ll love this piece, but it may also anger you. (Just please don’t bite anyone.)

Solar For Those Without A Roof: Solar gardens should be everywhere. Most of us don’t have roofs on which we can put solar panels, but we should be able to invest in solar projects and benefit in the same way.

UK Off Track: The UK isn’t on track to hit its 2020 EU renewable energy target, big time. With a target of 15% renewable energy, it’s only on track to hit about 10%. One key reason is “conservatives” in political power.

Big Industry May Finally Be Charged In Germany: Much of big industry has been excluded from having to pay the German renewable energy surcharge, putting the bill on the backs of citizens and small businesses. A change may be coming, according to a leaked government proposal.

Simulating Solar Boom In Cali: California has been a steady solar power leader in the US, and worldwide. The California Solar Initiative, which launched way back in 2006, has been a critical piece of that.

MoveOn Joins Arizona Solar Tax Fight: Arizona in recent years rose to the top of the charts for solar power per capita. Then the Kochs rolled in and implemented a tax on solar power. Now MoveOn is fighting back.

About the Author

Zachary Shahan is tryin' to help society help itself (and other species), one letter at a time. He spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as its director and chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity; or as president of Important Media. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media: ZacharyShahan.com.

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